How Factor 75 Rocked the First Year Pt. 2

As you may know, this month is Factor 75’s 1st anniversary! In this blog serieswe’re looking back on our first year as a startup: What we’ve learned, and how we’ve grown. And most of all, how we kicked ass.

Here are some stories from our newest team members Connor and Jake– two hunks who carpe diem the sh*t out of startup life.

Connor Brown Kitchen / Administration

What attracted you to working for Factor 75? Working to bring better food to people who desire higher quality in what they eat.

What was your longest work day? My first Monday in the kitchen was a 12+ hour day. We prepped and plated over 500 meals and as soon as I thought we were done, we had to begin bagging meals, which took an additional 3+ hours.

What makes working at a startup awesome? You can create your own projects that you are both interested in and enable the company to become more efficient and grow.

Most valuable advice you received this first year: “We are a team of doers, if you want something to happen then do it.” “It’s better done than perfect.”

Advice for other startup employees in their first year: Manage up. Create opportunities for yourself. See the company’s success as your own. Speak your mind and work your ass off.

Memorable moment when you said, “Oh yeah. Nailed it.” When Ryan said he wanted to promote me to working on big picture projects in the office.

How does Factor 75 allow *you* to thrive? Factor 75 doesn’t just allow me to thrive, they require it. I wouldn’t last six months at a company that micromanaged everything. That takes the creativity out of a job. Factor 75 will continue to grow and succeed because it is a company that is comprised of motivated, intelligent doers who don’t just work for a paycheck. We get up everyday with purpose, and we all recognize how valuable that is.

Jake HollabaughKitchen / Administration

What attracted you to working for Factor 75? I studied Entrepreneurship and have always wanted to be a part of a startup. With that being said, I didn’t want to just join any startup, I wanted it to be one where I believed in the product, and whose founders had the right goals in mind. Factor 75 met those criteria exceptionally.

What makes working at a startup awesome? Knowing that I am a part of a company that has the potential to grow so much, and accomplish great things…being a part of that journey is exciting. It keeps you on your toes at all times. Every day is different and new, and I’m always learning.

Most valuable advice you received this first year: “Don’t be afraid to take ownership.”

Advice for other startup employees in their first year? Enjoy the crazy.

Most memorable happy customer interaction? Live tweeting the Technori Pitch Night and seeing the great responses.

How does Factor 75 allow *you* to thrive? It allows me to be a part of a team where I’m allowed to be myself; I’m given the freedom to make decisions, but still have the help when I need it. I’m pushed every day to get better as an individual, and I’m always learning new things about food, business, and myself. I couldn’t ask for more than that.

Next week we hear from the big bosses! Stay tuned to hear the hilarious stories of pain and triumph from Factor’s fearless leaders Nick and Ryan.